Loughman Lake Lodge

Propelled by an above-water fan, airboats provide nautical transit without the risk that motors will tangle in kelp or inspire kelp to develop the automobile. Help maintain aquatic balance with this Groupon to Loughman Lake Lodge in Mims. Choose between the following options:

For $45, you get a 75-minute airboat tour for two (up to a $90 value).

For $80, you get a 75-minute airboat tour for four (up to a $180 value).<p>

Gliding across coastal waters at up to 30 miles per hour, Loughman Lake Lodge’s U.S. Coast Guard–certified captains lead tours past sun-soaked sites selected according to the desires of each group. As the friction-free vessels launch cool veils of spray along the freshwater majesty of St. Johns River and the neighboring waterways, patrons come into contact with a variety of Floridian wildlife. Gators sun themselves on the water’s edge, snakes side wind just beneath the water’s surface, and eagles, hawks, egrets, and other waterfowl critique each other’s plumage. Drawing from immense knowledge of the surrounding areas, guides work to search out wildlife based on the requests of the tour group, which typically contains a total of six to eight people. Clients should arrive 30 minutes prior to the tour’s departure to assemble self-help pamphlets for flipped-over turtles and board the boat in time.

Loughman Lake Lodge

Airboats launch from Loughman Lake Lodge deep into St. Johns River, skimming atop the swamplands at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. Onboard, adventurous sightseers pay rapt attention to Coast Guard–certified captains and native Floridians as they narrate the boat’s travels within earshot of alligators, turtles, and eagles. Loughman Lake Lodge itself was built in the 1950s and recently restored to its former glory. It now plays host to a waterfront restaurant, where diners can feast on local delicacies including gator tail and Florida catfish while sucking down beers on the outdoor deck. Fully furnished, air-conditioned cabins, RV sites, and tent camping offer myriad sleeping options for guests looking for a break from traffic, noise, and squirrels asking for directions to the nearest acorn buffet. Fishers can hook edible souvenirs at the lodge's prime bait spots, and shoppers can snag more permanent catches while perusing the gift shop.